i prefer nitro myself.i started with electric long ago.but after a big motor and waiting for battery charge time i hated it.the motor and speed control i used was good for 7 minutes or so.two battery packs wasnt enough to keep me running with out waiting on a battery.another thing to consider is budget.i have had more "accidents" with my nitros than the electric and nitros are faster most of the time.whichs translates to breakage if you loose control and have a runaway.now that i can afford just about anything i need /want its not an issue.nitros are funner but take time to tune,and can be dirty.electrics are nice for beginners and for indoor carpet racing but not alot more.(sorry to those who may prefer them over nitro cars).which ever way he goes is gonna be up to him in the long run.